Woven Together

The mission of Minneapolis College is to provide transformational educational experiences to help elevate the socio-economic status of our community, family, friends and neighbors.

In the wake of recent, unprecedented unrest in the neighborhoods that are home to our students, Minneapolis College is reaffirming our commitment to equity, inclusion, and to supporting the success of all our community members.

Community Unity Vigil

Friday, July 17 | 9:00 a.m. | Minneapolis College T Plaza Outdoor Courtyard

This vigil will bring together students, staff, faculty and community partners to affirm a unified commitment to the work of justice, change, equity and hope. This historic moment calls us to share in an earnest journey of remembrance, reflection and reinvention. We must mobilize constructive energies serving our collective investment in the transformative power of education. Now is the time for a Unity Vigil, to demonstrate our inclusive climate of meaningful participation as responsively engaged with the needs and interests of the community we serve.

At the vigil, participants will sign the Equity Statement and affirm personal support for the important work that lies ahead to fulfill this commitment. At the vigil we are encouraged to go on a reflective journey to four key locations in Minneapolis during the morning. By visiting these locations of living history, we bear witness to our equity platform, partake in introspective listening and act on the call of conscience to action.

With the directed attention of each mind and centered openness of every heart—out we will venture to landmarks of cultural relevance, bearing witness for the promise of renewal that must be demanded from unspeakable loss. Please join to reflect on elements that, we believe, will guide us on this important journey – JUSTICE, CHANGE, EQUITY and HOPE.

The gathering will follow physical distancing guidelines. Please wear a face covering. Parking is available in our campus ramp, travel to the locations is the responsibility of each participant. Let us unite together under this banner of Minneapolis College Unites! When posting on social media please use #mplscollegeunites.

For more information, contact Equity and Inclusion.

Chicago Avenue and 38th Street (For Justice)—

While journeying to the location, ask yourself—what is the meaning of justice, and how are its causes advanced in my family or personal life?

Upon arrival to the site, breathe in the experience of this location (for 8 minutes and 46 seconds), while asking yourself—how is my view of justice transformed by the solemnity of this place?

After departure from the landmark, ask yourself—what concrete steps will I take to increase fairness of treatment and racial healing?

East Lake Street and Minnehaha Avenue (For Change)—

While journeying to the location, ask yourself—what does it mean to protect with courage and serve with compassion; how do I ensure that law enforcement is accountable for the public safety of neighbors more than those dwelling next door?

Upon arrival to the site, breathe in the experience of this location (for 8 minutes and 46 seconds), while asking yourself—how is my view of civil disobedience and effective protest transformed by the gravity of this place?

After departure from the landmark, ask yourself—what concrete steps will I take to calm social unrest and renew confidence in the collaborative work of public safety?

North 15th Avenue and Irving Avenue North (For Equity)—

While journeying to the location, ask yourself—what is the meaning of equity in distinction to equality, and why might treating everyone the same produce an unfair outcome?

Upon arrival to the site, breathe in the experience of this location (for 8 minutes and 46 seconds), while asking yourself—how is my view of an equitable learning environment transformed by the accessibility and architecture of this place?

After departure from the landmark, ask yourself—what concrete steps will I take to dismantle systems that perpetuate educational disparities and disadvantage the students we serve?

Hennepin Avenue between Lake and 31st Streets (For Hope)—

While journeying to the location, ask yourself—what is my daydream for a tomorrow united by our collective diversity, and what are causes to hope the reality of my vision for the future?

Upon arrival to the site, breathe in the experience of this location (for 8 minutes and 46 seconds), while asking yourself—how is my view of the future transformed by the culture and artistry of this place?

After departure from the landmark, ask yourself—what concrete steps will I take to build bridges or relations of trust that hasten the dawn of our more perfect union?